FRANCESCO GASPARINI (1661-1727)
ATALIA, 1692

An oratorio in two parts, with an anonymous libretto, first performed in 1692 at the Clementino College in Rome, inspired by Racine's tragedy Athalie.

Camille Poul · Bastien Rimondi · Mélodie Ruvio · Furio Zanasi

Ensemble Hemiolia
Emmanuel Resche-Caserta, conductor

The terrible Atalia, having eliminated the entire royal family in order to secure her power, reigns mercilessly over Jerusalem. But seven years later, the High Priest, determined to put an end to her tyranny, joins forces with General Ormano and the wise old Nourrice to bring little Joas, the only survivor of the massacre, to the throne. Emmanuel Resche-Caserta and the Ensemble Hemiolia make Francesco Gasparini's oratorio their own, bringing to life characters in the grip of fury, vengeance and exaltation. The music, with its striking dramatic intensity, underlines the final moral: justice and innocence always triumph.

Recorded from January 5th to 9th 2024 at the Château de Versailles. 

You may find the booklet, available in French and English, by clicking here.

You may find this recording on our online shop by clicking here.